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Synopsis

Too many sweets spoil the murder . . .
* *
Harvest, Ohio, is a long way from New York City, where Bailey King left a coveted job as a head chocolatier to take over Swissmen Sweets, her Amish grandparents’ candy shop. Now, while caring for her recently widowed grandmother, she plans to honor her grandfather’s memory by entering the annual Amish Confectionery Competition. But between lavender blueberry fudge and chocolate cherry ganache truffles, Bailey may have bitten off more than she can chew when the search for a missing pot-bellied pig turns up a body suffering from sugar overload—the fatal kind . . .

A candy maker from a neighboring town who wanted Englischer Bailey disqualified for being an outsider, Josephine Weaver died from an allergy to an essential licorice ingredient. The suspects include: Josephine’s niece, a young woman going through her rumspringa, or running around time, and Bailey herself. Now it falls to Bailey, who’s sweet on the local sheriff’s deputy, to clear their names and entice a killer with a cast-iron stomach for cold-blooded murder . . .

Who Amish Country Could Be So Much Fun?

The Amish town of Harvest, Ohio is the polar opposite of New York City, but it’s now home to big city chocolatier Bailey King. When Bailey’s Amish grandfather, Jebediah King, passed away, she moved to Ohio to help her grandmother, Clara, run the family candy shop, Swissmen Sweets.
Taking her grandfather’s place in the annual Amish Confectionary Competition, Bailey isn’t welcomed by a few of her competitors given that she is an “Englisher”. When the Amish contestant who was most vocal about not allowing Bailey to compete turns up dead, Bailey finds herself on the suspect list.
Now Bailey finds herself not only representing and defending her grandparent’s candy shop, but also trying to clear her name and solve a murder as well.
I truly enjoyed this book. The simple life of the Amish combined with the English highlights just how similar we all are, regardless of our backgrounds. The story is well written, the characters are relatable and you’ll find yourself taking a trip to Amish country before you know it. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series when it comes out.

by Cindi A.on February 27, 2018

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4.0

Second book in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series

Lethal Licorice by Amanda Flower is the second story in The Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. Bailey King is now living in Harvest, Ohio and working at her grandparent’s candy shop Swissmen Sweets. They are preparing for the Amish Confectionery Competition (ACC) where Bailey will take her deceased grandfather’s spot. All items made for the competition can only be done the Amish way—no electrical appliances. Josephine Weaver of Berlin Candies, though, is not happy with Bailey taking Jebediah’s spot since she is an Englischer, and she is not the only person who feels that way. Just before the first round begins, Jethro, who is Juliet Brody’s polka dotted pig, disappears and she needs assistance in locating him. Bailey goes into the church to search where Charlotte Weaver, a cousin, is playing the organ which sounds a little off. Charlotte opens door to pipe area to see what could be the problem and screams. Bailey peers inside to see a dead Josephine Weaver. It is discovered that Josephine died from an allergic reaction to anise, and she had a piece of Swissmen Sweets licorice on her. This puts Bailey on the suspect list which along with her natural curiosity makes it impossible for her not to investigate Josephine’s death. Bailey must work in her sleuthing in between the rounds of the competition, looking for Jethro (he is still missing), manning the candy shop and offering Charlotte guidance on her future. Will Swissmen Sweets win the competition? Who killed Josephine Weaver? Follow Bailey on her latest adventure in Lethal Licorice.
Lethal Licorice is written in a conversational writing style with a good pace which makes the story easy to read. I was drawn into Lethal Licorice immediately. Lethal Licorice can be enjoyed without having read Assaulted Caramel. Readers are given an abbreviated version of Bailey’s history and how she ended up in Harvest, Ohio. The setting of Harvest, Ohio is brought to life thanks to Amanda Flower’s visual imagery. There are a variety of characters in this series which I appreciate. The characters are well-developed and relatable. Jethro, the polka dotted pig, is a fun addition along with his owner, Juliet Brody (she is the quirky character in the story). I like the chemistry (and interactions) between Bailey and Aiden Brody. There is just the right touch of humor in the story. It is balanced with the seriousness of the murder and the intensity of the competition. The mystery is well crafted, and readers will be pondering the killer’s identity. There are some good clues to aid in identifying the evildoer. Bailey, though, needs to work on her questioning technique (shape her questions differently and be subtler). She is too blunt which is off-putting. It turns off people because they feel like they are being accused of wrong doing. There are tantalizing candy descriptions that will have you running out to purchase your favorite sweet treat (it had me craving my homemade peanut brittle). There was one scene that left me cringing. There was a cat in the candy kitchen at Swissmen Sweets. I hope the health inspector does not find out about it. It was interesting to discover how various candies are made without the aid of modern technology. Lethal Licorice is a feel-good cozy mystery. It was pleasurable to read and when I finished reading it, I had a smile on my face. Lethal Licorice is a cute and entertaining cozy mystery that will have you eager to read for Premeditated Peppermint (which will be out in September 2018).

by Kristina Anderson, The Avid Readeron February 27, 2018

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5

LETHAL LICORICE

LETHAL LICORICE by Amanda Flower. Amish Candy Store Mystery 3
Having read the other two in this series, was looking forward to another, enjoyable read. Can one imagine a confectionery competition without using electricity. One woman was strongly against her, Bailey, not dressing like the Amish, and bringing in chocolate items into her grandfather, and now her store. Plus missing one pot bellied pig, when he does, he has found murder. Recipe of licorice was the cause, allergic reaction, and why in the church. Bailey has her work, along with the sheriff, to find out the why’s. Since her entry was licorice. Delighful, from beginning to end. Readers will enjoy this series, can be read separately. Given ARC by Net Galley for my volentary review and my honest opinion.